The 13 Best Things To Do In Rosemary Beach On Florida's Highway 30A
Where to eat, stay, and play in the picturesque town of Rosemary Beach, Florida.
With the same sugar-white sand and thoughtfully planned layout as its due-west counterparts on Highway 30A on Florida's Gulf Coast, Rosemary Beach makes a play for the distinction of most charming.
The town's iconic architecture draws influences from St. Augustine, New Orleans, and Charleston, with deep eaves, broad porches, and tucked-away gardens. Nothing is more than a five-minute walk from the town square, which is centered on a green space frequented by vacationers as they bike to and from the beach, play bocce ball, or just chill in the middle of it all with a good book.
In between boogie boarding and bike rides, don't be surprised if you stumble upon a nicely shaded, secluded bench. In fact, you might find yourself sitting a spell. This place has that kind of effect.
Here's the best things to do on your visit to Rosemary Beach, Florida, including where to eat, stay, and play.
Enjoy the Charming Town
Explore the Picturesque Streets
The cobblestone streets are more than conducive for eating and shopping your way through the town. To best explore the town and surrounding areas such as Alys Beach and Eastern Lake, rent a cruiser from nearby Peddlers 30A, or make it an easy ride with an electric bike from 30A Electric Bike Company. You'll also find plenty of footpaths to meander within Rosemary Beach.
Shop the Local Boutiques
Start at Pish Posh Patchouli's and rack up on artisanal soaps, skin-care, and other apothecary items. Every scent feels special enough to bring home. Snag a beach read at The Hidden Lantern Bookstore and Gallery, and pick up goodies for the little ones at Gigi's. Along the way, you'll land on plenty of other boutiques worth checking out.
Hit the Farmers' Market
On Sundays, you can catch the 30A Farmers' Market in the town square of Rosemary Beach, featuring fresh vegetables, fruits, prepared foods, fresh flowers, and more delicious finds. It makes for a fun way to spend a morning, and perhaps find some ingredients for a homemade dinner. While most vendors accept card, it's never a bad idea to bring cash.
facebook.com/30aFarmersMarket; 28 N Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach, FL 32413
Settle in for an Outdoor Movie Night
Bring the family for a wholesome movie night under the stars at Rosemary Beach's weekly outdoor movie night on St. Augustine Lawn. Blankets and Lawn Chairs are welcome, and there are other vendors for everyone to enjoy, including balloon animals, fresh popcorn, and hot dogs.
Where To Eat
Start the Day at Amavida Coffee Roasters
A hidden network of secluded pathways winds throughout the town, encouraging you to explore at your leisure. Amavida Coffee Roasters offers cold brew and espresso shots to give you that morning jolt before or after a long walk. This specialty coffee company serves some of the locals' favorite java, sourcing its products ethically and sustainably to support several small producers in developing countries.
amavida.com; 104 N Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
Take in the Sunset at Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar
Late in the afternoon, head up to Pescado, a rooftop bar and restaurant right off the square. It's the best place in Rosemary Beach to watch another beautiful day slowly fade into the pastel swirls of sunset. Grab yourself a cocktail—surprise yourself with a Pescado's Choice, a mystery mix of seasonal ingredients—and take in the view.
rooftop30a.com; 74 Town Hall Rd, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
Stop into Other Favorite Local Restaurants
Luckily, there are no shortage of great restaurants to tickle every fancy. During your stay, hit both Cowgirl Kitchen and The Summer Kitchen Café for more casual bites, before getting your sweet tooth fix at The Sugar Shak for kid-friendly candies and La Crema Tapas & Chocolate for a more upscale dessert experience.
Where To Stay
Book a Room at The Pearl Hotel
The architecture seems the town's biggest treasure. If so goes, The Pearl Hotel is its crown jewel. The 55-room hotel makes itself anything but scarce with grand turrets and terraces, black and white striped awnings, and private beach access with all the fixings. The in-house restaurant, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, certainly comes in handy, too.
thepearlrb.com; 63 Main St, Rosemary Beach, FL 32413
Rent a 30A Beach House
Other bookings can go through the town's rental website, or you can stay anywhere up or down Highway 30A for an easy commute.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Tour the Butterfly Garden
In the northwest corner of Rosemary Beach on West Kingston Road is an lush butterfly garden, which was constructed as a display garden that would emphasize the native landscape. A wooden walkway weaves through colorful plantings that lure butterflies.
Go Kayaking at Camp Helen State Park
This 180-acre park is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in Florida. Rent a kayak or paddle-board through Friends of Camp Helen State Park, and enjoy the scenery.
friendsofcamphelen.org; 23937 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Hit the Courts at The Rosemary Beach Racquet Club
For tennis lovers and newbies alike, the Racquet Club offers something fun to do when you get weary of the beach. You can snag a visitor pass by the day or week, and those renting through the Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Agency can take advantage of complimentary court time. You can also rent bicycles, and kids can enjoy playing at one of the many small parks scattered around town.
rosemarybeach.com/racquet-club; 235 E Water St, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
End the Day with a Beach Bonfire
Unlike some public beaches, on Rosemary Beach you're allowed to plan a beach bonfire with friends and family that begins at sunset and goes until all the s'mores are gone. The Rosemary Beach Service can help you schedule the bonfire and sets up everything you need, including chairs; as well as other bonfire businesses such as Light Me Up Beach Bonfires. At the end, they'll clean it up safely. Really, is there any better way to cap off a fun-filled trip?
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